President Biden took centre stage at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner, injecting humour into the evening with jokes about his age.
Speaking before a diverse audience of nearly 3,000 journalists, celebrities, and Washington insiders at the Washington Hilton, Biden addressed concerns about his advanced years amid a backdrop of anti-Israel protests outside the venue.
The black-tie affair gave Biden a significant platform to engage with voters and showcase his sense of humour, mainly as his approval ratings hovered at historic lows leading up to the November election.
At 81, Biden didn’t shy away from poking fun at himself and the political landscape, including his opponent, former President Donald Trump, whom he humorously referred to as a “6-year-old” in comparison.
Despite the age-related banter, Biden assured the audience of his vigour, jokingly citing his campaign travels across the country and his enduring popularity in the original 13 colonies.
He even lightened the mood by recounting an exchange with his wife regarding his nerves before the speech, referencing his infamous bike fall in Delaware in 2022.
Turning his attention to Trump, Biden couldn’t resist teasing his predecessor’s speeches and ongoing legal battles, including the Stormy Daniels hush money trial. He swiped at Trump’s ego, drawing laughs with a quip about his reading habits.
9Biden laughs as Jost and Kelly O’Donnell attend Saturday night’s dinner.REUTERS
Following Biden’s address, Saturday Night Live Weekend Update co-host Colin Jost added to the comedic flair, teasing politicians and media personalities, including Biden’s age and Trump’s courtroom naps.
Jost’s jabs included humorous remarks about Biden’s high school years and Trump’s legal troubles.
The event also saw jests aimed at The New York Post and reflections on Biden’s comedy set, which was meticulously crafted by his campaign team.
Amidst the humour, severe issues like Israel’s conflict in Gaza and the plight of journalists like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich were not overlooked.
The presence of pro-Palestinian protesters outside the venue highlighted the gravity of such issues, underscoring the challenges facing Biden’s reelection bid, particularly among left-leaning Democrats.
The event’s charitable aspect, raising funds for journalism scholarships, provided a backdrop of purpose amidst the evening’s fun.
Biden’s commitment to journalists, exemplified by his pledge to secure the release of Gershkovich, resonated with attendees, including the journalist’s parents. The ongoing support for press freedom amidst geopolitical tensions showcased a blend of humour and gravity characteristic of the White House Correspondents Dinner.
Palestinian supporters have repeatedly criticized President Biden, dubbing him “Genocide Joe” for his ongoing support for Israel’s war, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 34,000 Gazans.
This criticism intensified following Biden’s recent approval of a $95 billion foreign aid package, including $26 billion allocated to Israel. The controversy surrounding Biden’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict underscores the complexity of foreign policy decisions and their implications for international relations.
In addition to the political discourse, the White House Correspondents Dinner serves a philanthropic purpose by raising funds annually for scholarships to support students pursuing journalism careers. This initiative reflects the importance of fostering the next generation of journalists and upholding the principles of a free press in democratic societies.
During last year’s dinner, President Biden committed to secure the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who had been detained in Moscow on espionage charges.
Despite Biden’s pledge, Gershkovich’s appeal for release was rejected by a Moscow court this week, prolonging his pretrial detention.
As Gershkovich’s parents looked on from the audience, Biden reiterated his administration’s determination to advocate for the freedom of journalists, reaffirming their commitment to bringing Gershkovich home.
Amidst the festivities and diplomatic challenges, Biden’s vow to support press freedom and advocate for the release of detained journalists serves as a reminder of the administration’s commitment to upholding democratic values at home and abroad.
